Journal of Accountancy Podcast

Very few people will be imprisoned the way Sam Goodwin was — for nine weeks in a harrowing situation six years ago. Goodwin says we can all be "held hostage" by any number of things and that our response to life's challenges is what sets us apart. Goodwin, an author and tech startup founder, will deliver the keynote address June 16 at the AICPA & CIMA Not-for-Profit Industry Conference in National Harbor, Md. Learn more about Goodwin's message and story in the latest episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast. What you'll learn from this episode: · Goodwin's "Winning Through Uncertainty" theme for the June keynote address. · The worldwide travel quest that landed him in a hostage situation in Syria. · Goodwin's explanation about feeling a sense of "survivor's responsibility." · His work overseas in the technology and not-for-profit sectors. The reason Goodwin says "uncertainty is a horrible thing to waste."

As the demands on modern CPAs change, so also does the CPA Exam. Updates in the design and focus of the CPA Exam have been in effect for about a year now, and two AICPA experts joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss the changes, address misconceptions, and offer reminders on best practices. Any preparation for the CPA Exam should include a look at the CPA Exam Blueprints, according to Joe Maslott, CPA, director–Examinations. Mike Decker, vice president–CPA Exam and Pipeline offers insights into the changes and reminds candidates that the CPA Exam should be respected but not feared. What you'll learn from this episode: · Maslott's review of why the CPA Exam was redesigned for the start of 2024. · Decker's comments on misconceptions about the new exam. · The "relief valves" now offered for CPA candidates in exam timeframes. · Best practices and strategies for approaching the new sections of the exam. · Why pass rates are expected to rise.

Half a life ago, Michael Brody-Waite didn't think he was going to make it to his 25th birthday. Today, he's an author, entrepreneur, and leadership coach preparing to deliver the keynote address at the AICPA & CIMA Employee Benefit Plans Conference in May. In the address, he will share details of a leadership framework — using his experience as an addict in recovery as a backdrop. Three principles of the framework relate to authenticity, the ability to let go, and the importance of uncomfortable work. What you'll learn from this episode: Why he says that most leaders are "addicted to doing." The three principles of "addictive leadership." The reasons, according to Brody-Waite, that those principles relate well to the accounting profession. Some of the excuses he made and others he blamed for his substance abuse. Why the advice "don't be scared" should be avoided. The delegation lessons that can be taken from the principle of "surrendering the outcome." Why uncomfortable work is different than hard work or difficult work. Brody-Waite's message to conference attendees.

No matter who's in charge, regulation, legislation, and education remain front and center when it comes to advocacy efforts in Washington, according to Mark Peterson, AICPA & CIMA executive vice president–Advocacy. Also important is understanding how to navigate a new administration's priorities. In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Peterson details some of the focus areas of the White House and Congress – tax legislation, an emphasis on government efficiency, and a change in regulatory approach. What you'll learn from this episode: · Peterson's overview of AICPA advocacy in Washington. · Why "navigate" is an important word for Peterson. · What has been normal and not normal in the change of presidential administrations. · Peterson's assessment of the potential path for tax legislation. · The "very different environment" related to regulation of public companies. · Advice for members in dealing with D.C. uncertainty.

Alex Dorr speaks to audiences and organizations all over about ditching the drama and getting more productivity and engagement from employees and more overall value for companies. His session at Digital CPA in Denver in December 2024 focused on many of those same principles and was tailored to modern accounting firms. On the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Dorr, vice president at Reality-Based Leadership, explained more about how readiness for change can lead to a better work reality for employees and managers alike. What you'll learn from this episode: · Dorr's reflection on whether he was a "high-drama" college basketball player. · Why the examination of an employee's or team's value should include an assessment of "readiness for what's next." · The "juicy" question Dorr answered about speaking to accounting groups. · The importance of validating someone's experience in the workplace before addressing ways to make it better.

In this Journal of Accountancy-branded podcast, a senior wealth strategist and managing partner share advice on how to initiate conversations with business clients about transition and succession planning.

David Zweighaft, CPA/CFF, is a co-author of this quarter's Eye on Fraud report, focused on financial tracing. Zweighaft joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss details in the report and share stories from his more than 30 years of experience in the field of forensic accounting. The discussion delves into particulars of the quarterly report and mentions an infamous municipal fraud case, which was one topic mentioned in a 2023 JofA podcast episode. Resources n FVS Section home page n CFF credential information page n Eye on Fraud report for the first quarter of 2025 n Understanding the Forensic Technology Landscape What you'll learn from this episode: · Zweighaft's definition of financial tracing. · Why human skills such as interviewing can be differentiators even as technology speeds up some tasks. · Some of the core accounting and auditing skills that apply to financial tracing. · The difference between direct and indirect financial tracing. · Details of the United States v. Melissa King case, a focus of the Eye on Fraud article Zweighaft co-wrote. · The value of hearing other professionals' stories in financial tracing.

On March 5, the AICPA published a comprehensive set of criteria for reporting on the digital assets known as stablecoins. The criteria are designed to address "the need for consistency, transparency, and trust in the stablecoin environment." Jay Schulman, CPA, is a principal at RSM, and he's focused, in his job and his role on AICPA committees, on digital assets. In this episode of the Journal of Accountancy podcast, Schulman explains areas of focus for the AICPA's Digital Assets Working Group and the group's attestation subcommittee. That work includes the stablecoin criteria. Resources: n Accounting for and Auditing of Digital Assets (practice aid) n Blockchain Universal Glossary n Stablecoin Reporting and Assurance landing page What you'll learn from this episode: · Schulman's explanation of the difference between bitcoin and stablecoins. · The reasons that an AICPA committee and subcommittee on attestation are focused on stablecoins. · Examples that remind Schulman of how different generations view money. · Why Schulman refers to the criteria as "transparency-oriented." · The resources Schulman recommends related to stablecoins and the priorities of the Digital Assets Working Group.

For several reasons, including persistent inflation and concern about the effects of tariffs, CPA decision-makers in business and industry are less optimistic this quarter about the U.S. and global economy and their own businesses. That's according to the Economic Outlook Survey released on Thursday. On Friday, Ken Witt, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA associate director–Management Accounting Research and Development, joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to analyze the survey's latest results. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Witt said, the likelihood of less regulation was one reason for an increase in sentiment. But much of that November enthusiasm has been tempered. What you'll learn from this episode: · The top challenge for CPA decision-makers' businesses (it's not a surprise). · The difference in expansion plans based on company size. · The percentage of respondents who expect tariffs to have a negative effect on their organizations. · What finance executives project related to hiring in the coming 12 months.

The AICPA & CIMA CFO Conference begins April 23 in La Quinta, Calif. The co-chairs of the conference planning committee joined the Journal of Accountancy podcast to discuss top-of-mind issues for finance leaders and to preview the agenda for the in-person event. Ted Delgado, CPA, CGMA, and Summer Redmon, CPA, finance executives themselves, shared what they learn from attending the conference each year and explained the ways that the pace of change has affected the CFO role. Also, Lisa Simpson, CPA, CGMA, AICPA & CIMA's vice president–Firm Services, joined the show to discuss International Women's Day, which this year is on Saturday. Resources: n CFO Conference registration information and agenda. n Podcast conversations in September and January with not-for-profit CFO Janice Stucke, CPA. What you'll learn from this episode: · The value of self-awareness and servant leadership for CFOs. · Redmon's explanation of a former boss referring to herself as "CFO-plus." · Delgado's summary of a session on navigating business slowdowns. · Highlights of other topics and panel discussions at the conference. · The importance of International Women's Day to one AICPA & CIMA leader.